Bakers Dolphin celebrates staff making a difference
Southwest based Bakers Dolphin is celebrating the coach drivers who play a vital role in supporting the local community.
The travel provider, based in Weston-Super-Mare is shining a spotlight on drivers as part of National Coach Week (12th – 18th October), which highlights the vital contributions of the UK’s coach operators, drivers, and businesses to tourism, education, sports and community transport.
Rob Bayntun and Steve Stanley have been acknowledged for helping a passenger see their first West End show. The passenger, who has mobility difficulties, also praised Steve for helping them with their wheelchair and said: “He was fantastic. Being able to travel comfortably and see Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium really did feel like a dream come true.”
In addition to working with individual passengers, Bakers Dolphin also works with local charities and organisations. Drivers Luke Mann and Caitlin Ash recently supported Bristol charity Community of Purpose, making sure children got to and from their Break Free summer programme. A spokesperson from Community of Purpose said: “Our drivers Luke and Caitlin were unbelievably brilliant; they were always on point. They made our days so much smoother despite having to navigate some difficult journeys and turnings.”
A local domestic abuse charity shared similar feedback about a trip that was managed by driver Simon Jones. A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Simon was absolutely awesome. He put everyone at ease, and nothing was too much trouble for him.”
Local parents have applauded Bakers Dolphin staff for the support they provide their families on a day-to-day basis, particularly those who have children with SEND needs and disabilities. A local parent described Lesley Heppenstall and Mandy Rowe as “friendly, caring and professional” and said that thanks to them, “their child arrived at school happy, relaxed and ready to learn.”
Over the summer the Bakers team supported the Surrey Scouts with an unforgettable expedition to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. Operations Manager Chris Rubery, played a key role in delivering the large-scale travel operation, ensuring hundreds of Scouts enjoyed a smooth journey to and from Switzerland.
As well as ensuring children and young people get to school or out on day trips or long-distance city visits, Bakers Dolphin regularly welcomes local children and young people on work experience placements. In July, a student from Churchill Academy spent a week with Bakers Dolphin, experiencing different departments and trying a variety of tasks. The student said that staff made them feel like they “fitted into the team” and that “the experience confirmed they wanted a career in transport.”
Amanda Harrington, Sales and Marketing Director at Bakers Dolphin, said: “These stories show just how important our coach drivers are to the local community. Day in, day out, they’re quietly having a positive impact on individuals, businesses, and charities, showing that coach drivers help make life run smoothly. Our drivers love their work, and their positive energy is contagious!”
The coach industry currently employs approximately 45,000 people nationwide, and coach travel plays an irreplaceable role in communities across the UK and in the wider economy.
